No, all mine is the bearded variety. I would like to go to beardless though, I don't feel the beards are completely safe for wildlife. Never, ever...in any case, chew on the beards from a head of wheat. Don't ask how I know.
LOL At the QDMA field day last Sat, Dr. Craig Harper was very enthusiastic about the benefits. Seems to make perfect sense, if in fact the deer will utilize it to the extent he proclaimed. (not that I doubt they would). Thinking of giving it a shot over the Triticale....
Been researching this...have thought of adding it as well. TJ...I think you are bit by the habitat bug now, WELCOME TO THE FOLD!
I was researching it based on what you posted having never heard much about it, and it seems to make sense. Seems there are awnless varieties of triticale as well. As a side note, I also found some references to the same gentleman recommending not mowing clover until AFTER it matures and goes to seed to provide optimal reseeding for next years crop. Goes against conventional wisdom of mowing clover before it goes to seed. Makes sense in certain situations.
Dr. Harper actually talked about the mowing ALOT.... in fact he basically said two things. #1. Mow once a year after seed drops #2. The only reason you hear contrary is seed companies wanting to sell more seed. (makes sense huh?) of course there is the weed delima but if you follow his recommendations you will have the weeds under control early thus not being a problem. All other reasons for mowing he had very good data to prove otherwise... I learned alot from that man in 8 hrs lol
Awnless variety + clover + soybeans should come close to providing pretty solid year round feed. especially if you add some arrow leaf.
I sell is, have grown it and there is becoming more interest in it. The issue with the wheat this year is the supplies are really tight. With so many people not being able to get winter wheat into the ground last fall, there was a flood of spring wheat purchases this winter for spring sewing. I am more a triticale fan as territory acres are going up about 50% a year. For deer, the higher plane of nutrition, better shade tolerance and ability to handle wetter soils is why I'm pushing it to the progressive dairies and hard core deer plot people.
Triticale is good stuff. I believe Harpers methodology is a good one, this is basically the cover crop mix I use and it will indeed reseed itself. He is also correct that deer will utilize the seed heads better with awnless varieties. The beards on the bearded wheat are dangerous and hard to swallow for deer (or anyone), it doesn't take long for a deer to be educated to not browse the bearded seed heads.
My Triticale plot was a success this past year no doubt about that. Perhaps I'll look into the awnless varieties available there before my next planting. I'd sure like to utilize the crop all its worth. Plot screen and bare root cedars are next on the docket though.
Bare root cedars? I hope that's something apart from the normal eastern red cedars we have already? I fight those damn things with a passion and it's a never ending battle. http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/pfw/r6pfw15.htm
lol yes I know BUT I have an issue and I really think that the cedar is gonna be my best and most affordable option.
